Home of the Blue Jays
September 2026 Newsletter
Leading with integrity. Learning together. Celebrating our community.
September has brought opportunities for our students to lead, connect, and grow. From Student Council elections and a visit to Rice University to Grandparents’ Day and the start of our etiquette program, our school community has much to celebrate. Please read on for school updates, reminders, and the events still to come this month.
Learning at HLA
Meet Our School Counselor: Mustafa Er
September character value: Integrity
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means being honest, responsible, and trustworthy, and putting our values into practice through our words and actions.
For our youngest students, integrity might mean telling the truth, caring for shared materials, or making a good choice. For older students, it includes taking responsibility for mistakes, completing work honestly, and treating others with respect at school and beyond. Families can support this month’s focus by talking with children about the choices they make each day and recognizing moments when they act with honesty and care.
Our character in action
We are proud to share that Horizon Leadership Academy was featured in a character education newsletter as a 2026 first-time National School of Character. The feature highlighted how our IRISE values guide students to reflect, take ownership, and grow. Morning meetings, restorative conversations, and opportunities for student voice strengthen relationships and help students feel that they belong. These values also carry beyond the classroom, where students practice teamwork, friendship, and gratitude with their teammates and coaches.
Blue Jays Volleyball Celebrates Two More Wins
Our Blue Jays have added two more victories and remain undefeated! In their latest match, the girls earned a 2–0 win through teamwork, determination, and effort from every player. We are proud of this team and can’t wait to cheer them on again. Keep flying high, Blue Jays! 💙
Student Council Election Day
Our students shared their ideas and took part in Student Council elections. We are proud of every candidate who showed the courage to participate and represent their classmates. Congratulations to our newly elected representatives:
3A: Arzu T.
4A: Tahir H.
5A: Suheyla Erva U.
6A: Halit K.
7A: Ihsan K.
8B: Yarash N.
9A: Ahmet A.
Thank you to all the candidates for their hard work and school spirit. We look forward to hearing the ideas our representatives bring to Student Council this year.
Students visit Rice University Volleyball
Our students visited Rice University to explore the collegiate athletics environment and see NCAA volleyball up close. They toured the facilities and watched Rice take on the University of Louisville at Tudor Fieldhouse. Thank you to Rice Volleyball for welcoming HLA and giving our students a memorable experience beyond the classroom.
Etiquette lessons begin
Students in grades 3–7 completed the first of nine sessions in the Monica Lewis Etiquette Program. Through discussion, movement, and group activities, they explored manners, respect, personal space, communication, and the choices that shape first impressions. We are proud of their preparation and participation and look forward to building on these lessons throughout the school year.
The next session is September 30, 2026. Later sessions are scheduled for October 28 and November 18, 2026, and January 13, February 3, February 24, March 24, and April 14, 2027.
Grandparents’ Day at HLA
Thank you to the grandparents who joined us for our Grandparents’ Day program on September 14. Your visit brought generations together and made the morning special for our students. We are grateful for the love and support you share with our school community.
Dress code reminder
Please review the school dress code flyer with your child and help them arrive dressed according to school expectations each day. If you have questions about the policy, contact the school for clarification. Thank you for being part of the Horizon Leadership Academy community. We look forward to another month of learning, leadership, and connection.
After-School Care Registration is Still Open
Horizon Leadership Academy’s 2026–2027 After-School Care Program is underway, and registration has been extended for students in grades K–5. The program runs Monday through Thursday, 4:00–6:00 p.m., and Fridays, 1:00–3:30 p.m. Students enjoy snacks, homework assistance, outdoor and gym activities, art, technology, games, and other enrichment opportunities. The cost is $250 per month plus a $25 registration fee; families will not be charged for August because the program started on August 31. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for HLA After-School Care to request a spot.
Please contact the Front Office with any questions.
☎️ 832-543-8008
📧 office@myhla.org
Help us care for our library
Our library belongs to everyone. Please return books to the correct shelf; if you are unsure where a book belongs, leave it at the librarian’s desk. Keep books clean and undamaged: do not write or draw in them or fold their pages. Sit safely in library chairs, and treat all furniture with care. Food is not allowed in the library, and voices should remain low so everyone has a comfortable place to read and study. Thank you for helping keep this shared space welcoming.
Horizon Uniform Logo Stickers Now Available
Horizon DTF iron-on logo stickers are now available for purchase from the front office for $2 each. These high-quality transfers can be applied to an approved polo shirt, giving families a convenient and affordable uniform option. Elementary and middle school students must wear hunter green polos, while high school students must wear navy blue polos. Place the logo on the left chest, cover it with parchment paper or a thin cloth, and press firmly with a steam-free iron on medium-high heat for 15–20 seconds. Allow it to cool completely before slowly removing the clear film, then press it again for five seconds to seal the edges. Families may also continue ordering complete uniforms through Global Schoolwear.
Celebrating Our September Birthdays🎂
Upcoming Events
September 17, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: HLA girls’ volleyball home game
September 21, 5:00–6:00 p.m.: HLA girls’ volleyball away game
September 22: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations
September 25, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Parent–Teacher Conference
September 28: PreK–5 Mothers’ Breakfast
September 29: Grades 6–12 Mothers’ Breakfast
September 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: HLA girls’ volleyball home game
September 30: Monica Lewis Etiquette Program session
Academic Calendar
Follow us on social media
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Follow us on:
Facebook: @horizonleadershipacademytx
X: @hla_houston
Instagram: @horizonleadership.academy
Tiktok: @horizonleadershipacademy
A Note to Our Families
Thank you for the encouragement and care you bring to HLA every day. As September continues, talk with your child about what integrity looks like at home and at school, and join us for the celebrations and family events ahead. We look forward to connecting with you at Parent–Teacher Conference and the Mothers’ Breakfast programs. Together, we can make this a year of learning, leadership, and belonging.
With appreciation,
The Horizon Leadership Academy Team